Weekend Recap + Taper Time!

Finally, a no race weekend to focus on my marathon training run–about time since race day is in 3 weeks. Anyway, I ran my 20 miler last Wednesday to accommodate for a very important race that happened last weekend. It seemed to be the best option on the table for me to run the race the way I wanted AND get the most out of my 20 mile run. Unfortunately, running 20 on Wednesday meant skipping my beloved Thursday night track workout. I had to sneak in a recovery run Saturday morning, and then do my 13 mile run on Sunday morning. I decided to do a double on my hills course since we were having an event there.

Flashback to the 20 miler for a sec, because if you’ve ever trained for a marathon you know you can’t just gloss over a 20 miler without saying anything about it!

As soon as I started running I felt completely not recovered from the race on Sunday–horrible feeling to have only a couple of miles into a lonely 20 mile run. I pushed through, running about 30 seconds over my marathon pace, which was really fine, I just felt horrible doing it! To make matters worse, my hamstrings actually started cramping at about mile 18. I never felt anything like that before. Just about out of electrolytes, I knew I was almost home. When I got there I crumbled to the floor.

So yeah, my 20 mile run was not encouraging at all. I almost never have a great 20 mile run. In 2013 I think I cried and walked, but I went on to PR NYC Marathon like crazy. So I guess the moral is just cause the 20 miler feels like an emotional load of bricks, the training is still effective.

I was hoping for a much more positive experience yesterday as I chose to run 13 hilly miles on my home course. I could tell from the beginning it was going to be much better–and it was. I had my bounce back. Ran just about my marathon pace. And felt great doing it.

It’s officially taper time, and I couldn’t be happier. Some runners hate it, I love it. I do well when I’m rested and fresh and I’m looking forward to focusing on being just that when September 13th rolls around.

I’ve never done a full so have not run those distances but I think we all have good and bad runs and our emotions can be so tied into them. I’ve ended up in tears so many times after a training run. Remember why you are running! You got thisDeborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Eggplant “Meatball” Gyros

Oh my goodness can I relate! Haha I just ran 18 on Friday– thankfully I had a good run, but in 2013 when I was training for marathon #2, I was an emotional wreck before and during almost every long run. So glad you had a better run yesterday. It’s amazing how those can make all the difference. Enjoy your taper! 🙂Amanda recently posted…Giveaway & Marathon Training Monday {Week 2}

Hi! I’m new to your blog but just found you from Suzlyfe! I can totally relate to this. I’m training for NYC right now and just did an 18 last weekend and it was slow and just felt tough. Summer running is not my thing. You’re so right that even when it feels like crap we’re still getting it done and it’s helping.Michele @ paleorunningmomma recently posted…Banana Almond Coffee Cake Muffins {Paleo}

In my experience, the 20 miler is rarely just meh. It is either going to be awesome or a bit of a trainwreck. But I also think that having one that isn’t so great can be beneficial–you aren’t going to go in all cocky, and you know that it is time for a break, which you will be getting.Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…Prevent Injury and Boredom on Long Runs with Glute Engagement

I cramped like that in my quads during MCM last year. It had NEVER happened to me before, ever and it was definitely an electrolyte issue. It sucks! And I’m not sure I’ve ever had a great 20 miler…that is the training run that is most mental and it’s right at the point in training when I’m starting to break down in training. It’s a tough one!!

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Michelle is an athlete, wife, and mom on a mission to provide information and inspiration to help others reach their fruition. As a runner, marathoner, Ironman Triathlete, and Tough Mudder, Michelle is always striving to reach her fruition as well. #WhatsYourFruition? Read More…